Reading time:
3 minutes
In the world of wine, certain regions are synonymous with specific grapes. We think of Plavac Mali when we picture the sun-drenched coasts of Dalmatia. But what happens when a passionate winemaker decides to challenge tradition? A historic, award-winning wine is born.
We are thrilled to share the incredible news from Winery Brid, a boutique winery near Omiš. Their winemaker, Ivan Kujundžić, has just achieved a remarkable feat: winning a Bronze medal and 86 points for his Brid Sauvignon Blanc 2024 at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2025.
Why This Award is a Game-Changer
For those unfamiliar, the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) are the “Oscars of the wine world.” It’s the largest and most influential wine competition, with thousands of entries judged by top experts. Winning any medal here is a significant achievement that places a wine on the global stage.
But this isn’t just any medal. As Ivan himself proudly noted, he believes this is the first Sauvignon Blanc from Dalmatia ever to win a Decanter award.
Challenging the Climate: Sauvignon Blanc in Dalmatia
This is what makes the story so special. Sauvignon Blanc is a grape that thrives in cooler climates, known for producing fresh, aromatic, and elegant wines in places like France’s Loire Valley. Dalmatia, with its warm, Mediterranean climate, is a challenging environment for this grape.
As Ivan wrote in his announcement, this achievement was born from a desire to “challenge the climate and defy all expectations.” Through immense effort, patience, and precision, he has crafted a Sauvignon Blanc that not only thrives but has been recognized for its quality on an international level. This award is a testament to both the winemaker’s skill and the surprising potential of Dalmatian terroir.
The Winemaker’s Passion: Winery Brid
Located in the heart of Dalmatia, Vinarija Brid is a small winery driven by a big vision. This success story perfectly embodies the spirit of many of Croatia’s best producers: small, family-run operations with an unwavering dedication to quality and a courage to innovate.
In his own words, Ivan said, “This bronze shines like gold to me!” It’s a powerful statement that captures the passion and personal pride behind every bottle. This isn’t just a commercial victory; it’s a personal triumph that validates years of hard work and belief in a unique vision.
What This Means for Croatian Wine
A win like this does more than just honour a single winery. It shines a spotlight on the incredible diversity and potential of Croatia as a wine country. It proves that our regions can produce world-class wines from unexpected grape varieties, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered possible.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ivan Kujundžić and the entire team at Winery Brid. We encourage every wine lover to seek out this award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and taste a piece of Dalmatian history. It’s a powerful reminder to always support the small winemakers and their incredible stories.
Živjeli! (Cheers!)